Ask LW: Promotion My firm won’t grant me a promotion. Is it time to leave?

Career progression is often a difficult topic to tackle. Although each situation varies, and often comes with unique challenges, there are a few universal points to consider when weighing your legal career options..

If passed up for a promotion, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with your line manager. In doing so, you should ask why you were not promoted. Ask specific and direct questions for feedback to explain why you weren’t selected. Explain why you believe you deserve the promotion - highlight the ways you have taken up more responsibility, picked up complex cases, or gained impressive expertise in your area of law.

A frank conversation with your line manager sets the stage for your next decision and should provide clarity about your future with the law firm or organisation. If your line manager has offered assurance that your promotion is imminent and has provided you with a definitive timeline, it may be best to stay in your current position, at least until then. There are, of course, benefits to staying – most importantly, the comfort of job security.

However, if your line manager fails to recognise your contributions and cannot assure you of a future promotion, it may be time to leave. When looking to progress in your career, a change can be rewarding. It offers new opportunities and challenges that enrich your professional journey. Changing jobs allows you to meet new people and develop new skills and possibly new expertise.

Most professionals will experience a point in their legal careers where they decide it is time for something new. Although it can be a difficult position to be in, the anticipation of embracing something new can be exhilarating.

More Questions?

Lubna Shuja

My advice is to lead with confidence. Be confident in your abilities and judgment. Be confident in your contributions to the legal space. Confidence is the key to a successful legal career.

I would also advise junior solicitors to find mentorship within the legal profession. Mentorship can be integral in guiding and shaping the decisions you make throughout your legal career. When contemplating a change in your career, mentors can offer valuable insight.

I have experienced my own challenges with career progression. Solicitors from underrepresented backgrounds, especially women and those from a minority ethnic background, often feel excluded in legal environments, and may be less inclined to ask for promotions. In order to encourage all solicitors to advocate for their career progression, it is vital to create inclusive environments. During my presidency at the Law Society, I have prioritised the promotion of diversity, social mobility and social inclusion – particularly at the senior levels of the profession and within the judiciary. In championing diversity and inclusion, we can create welcoming environments that encourage solicitors of all backgrounds to seek promotions and progress their career development. ■

Lubna Shuja, Immediate Past President, Law Society of England and Wales

If you have more questions about career progression, The Law Society of England and Wales offers free career clinics, e-coaching courses, and webinars. The complex legal system offers a wide variety of career options. The Law Society’s platforms for career advice can bring clarity to what you are looking for in your own professional journey.

For further enquiries, visit the Law Society’s careers website: lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/ or email careers@lawsociety.org.uk

The Law Society of Scotland offers information on career pathways and advice for qualified lawyers and students. Refer to the website for access to more information, webinars etc. Career support and advice | Law Society of Scotland (lawscot.org.uk)

There is a free scheme for aspiring solicitors to access careers advice, insights from the profession and opportunities to volunteer with us. Student associates | Law Society of Scotland (lawscot.org.uk)

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has information accessible here: Careers | The Law Society of Northern Ireland (lawsoc-ni.org)

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